EP3233222B1 - Ball, especially football, and production process therefore - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a ball, in particular a football, having a ball cover of a number of panels, wherein the panels are applied directly or indirectly on a support body, in particular on a ball bladder, wherein the panels have at least one layer of material, which consists of plastic or Plastic has. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing such a ball.

A ball of the generic type is for example in the WO 2010/133305 A1 described. Here, the surface of a ball bubble is parqueted with a number of pentagonal or hexagonal shaped panels, which corresponds to a typical design of a generic ball. From the DE 102 55 092 A1 It is known to cut out the panels of a sheet and possibly multilayer material, which are necessary for the coverage of a spherical surface. These panels usually have pentagonal and hexagonal shape, in order to parquet the ball surface according to the so-called Euler formula. Other similar solutions show the US 2010/144470 A1 and the US 2013/324333 A1 ,

In order to give the ball the required properties are in the previously known solution according to the WO 2010/133305 A1 relatively complex multilayer plastic types connected to each other, from which the panels are made. In the aforementioned prior art solution, an uppermost layer (cover layer) consists of an aliphatic polyurethane. An underlaid second layer consists of a higher density aliphatic polyurethane. An underlying third layer is a layer using a blend of polyester and polyether-based polyurethane. In addition, a foamed structure is used, which is produced with the addition of a chemical blowing agent. Below this is a fourth layer of aliphatic water-based polyurethane foam. The lowest, fifth layer is similar to the fourth layer and differs in the degree of foaming.

A disadvantage of the prior art balls that a significant change in the playing characteristics of the ball are determined, depending on how high the temperature of the ball. Depending on this, the game characteristics can change significantly, d. H. For example, once the ball is used in winter and once in summer. In the previously known solution discussed above, it is attempted to counteract this with a relatively complicated layer structure of the panels. This is on the one hand relatively expensive and therefore expensive and does not always bring to the other the desired effect.

The invention is therefore an object of the invention to provide a ball of the generic type, especially a football, and a method for its production, so that it is possible with relatively simple and therefore cost-effective measures, the playability of the ball as constant as possible over a wide temperature range hold.

The solution of this object by the invention is characterized in that the plastic material of the at least one layer of panels expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU), wherein the expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU) consists of individual plastic bodies, which thermally or by means of a Binders are connected to each other, and wherein the individual plastic body has an extension in the three spatial directions between 2 mm and 15 mm.

The panels preferably consist of a single layer of expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU).

The individual plastic bodies preferably have an extension in the three spatial directions between 3 mm and 9 mm.

The panels can be glued to the carrier body. Alternatively or additionally, a thermal bonding process is also possible.

Between the panels and the carrier body, an intermediate layer may be arranged, which consists of non-foamed, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

Furthermore, the panels may be provided on their side facing outward with a coating, in particular with a film, which consists of non-foamed, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

1. a) Herstellen von Kunststoffkörpern, deren Ausdehnung in den drei Raumrichtungen zwischen 2 mm und 15 mm, vorzugsweise zwischen 3 mm und 9 mm, liegt, wobei die Kunststoffkörper aus expandiertem thermoplastischem Polyurethan (E-TPU) bestehen;
2. b) Einbringen der Kunststoffkörper in ein Formwerkzeug, das eine Kavität aufweist, die der Form der herzustellenden Paneelen entspricht;
3. c) Verbinden der im Formwerkzeug aneinander liegenden Kunststoffkörper miteinander, wobei zum Verbinden ein Bindemittel ins Formwerkzeug eingegeben wird und/oder wobei zum Verbinden Wärme auf die Kunststoffkörper einwirken gelassen wird.

The process for producing such a ball is characterized in that the panels are manufactured by the following steps:

1. a) manufacture of plastic bodies, the expansion in the three spatial directions between 2 mm and 15 mm, preferably between 3 mm and 9 mm, wherein the plastic body consists of expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU);
2. b) introducing the plastic body in a mold having a cavity which corresponds to the shape of the panels to be produced;
3. c) connecting the plastic body lying in the mold with each other, wherein for bonding a binder is introduced into the mold and / or is allowed to act on the heat bonding plastic body.

The plastic body preferably have a spherical or ellipsoidal shape.

The starting material for the production of the plastic body preferably has a hardness between 75 to 90 Shore A, preferably between 80 and 85 Shore A.

The plastic bodies preferably have a bulk density of between 100 and 300 kg / m ³ .

The bonding of the plastic body according to the above step c) is preferably carried out by adding a binder with a weight proportion between 5% and 30% based on the finished panels the plastic bodies. The binder preferably has elastic properties.

As a binder for connecting the individual adjoining plastic body, a 2-component polyurethane system has proven particularly useful. Particular preference is given to using a system which consists of a polyether-based polyol and an MDI prepolymer (MDI: diphenylmethane diisocyanate).

Prepolymers are a group of substances which is a reactive intermediate between monomeric isocyanates and polyurethane polymers. They are prepared by reacting a polyol component with an excess of a polyisocyanate component.

The properties of the prepolymers and of the finished adhesives produced therefrom can be determined in a wide range by the choice of the polyol component (eg polyester or polyether) and the polyisocyanate component (eg aromatic or aliphatic), the molar ratio of these two Reactants and the subsequent formulation (eg, catalyst, filler and / or plasticizer) can be adjusted, which can also be used in the present application.

However, the joining of the plastic bodies according to step c) above can alternatively also be carried out by passing steam under pressure into the mold. The pressure of the steam is preferably between 1.0 bar and 5.0 bar, preferably between 2.0 bar and 3.5 bar.

The following are mentioned for the expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU) used: This material is well known per se and is used for example in shoes. It is available, for example, under the name "Infinergy" from BASF SE. To this Material is expressly on the WO 2005/066250 A1 Reference is made to where details of this material, ie expandable thermoplastic polyurethanes and their preparation can be found.

For the prior art of urethane-based thermoplastic elastomer is further expressly to WO 2010/010010 A1 in which an expandable, propellant-containing thermoplastic polymer blend is disclosed which contains thermoplastic polyurethane and styrene polymer. The polymer blend may contain at least one further thermoplastic polymer. As a further thermoplastic polymer is in particular polyamide (PA), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), cellulose or polyoxymethylene (POM) in question.

With the proposed embodiment of a ball, in particular a football, the advantage is achieved that the ball is more stable in temperature than conventional balls. Accordingly, even when it is cold, the E-TPU used remains soft, so that the ball does not harden. The game characteristics improve accordingly.

Fig. 1

einen Fußball, dessen Oberfläche mit einer Anzahl Paneelen bedeckt ist,

Fig. 2

einen Ausschnitt aus dem Ball gemäß Figur 1, wobei der Schnitt entlang eines Großkreises des Balls skizziert ist, und

Fig. 3

schematisch drei Kunststoffkörper als Bestandteil einer Paneele des Balls.

In the drawing, an embodiment of the invention is shown. Show it:

Fig. 1

a football whose surface is covered with a number of panels,

Fig. 2

a section of the ball according to FIG. 1 , where the section is sketched along a great circle of the ball, and

Fig. 3

schematically three plastic body as part of a panel of the ball.

In Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 a football 1 is shown as it is constructed in a classical way. On a support body 3 in the form of a ball bladder panels 2 are applied. These panels have either pentagonal shape (see Pentagone 8) or hexagonal shape (see Hexagone 9), which are arranged in the known manner to each other. The panels 2 adjoin one another, resulting in seams 7. The panels 2 may be glued to the carrier body 3, wherein they are preferably not sewn together. The football 1 is then seamless. But it is also possible to apply the panels 2 on the support body 3 by a thermal connection process.

The individual panels 2 are cut out of a flat base material. In the present case, the base material is formed as a homogeneous layer of a single material, wherein the plastic material of this layer is expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU). An embodiment of the individual panels 2 in a corresponding molding tool (in particular multi-cavity tool) is preferred.

The carrier body 3, so the ball bladder, can be reinforced with a textile material, so that the ball 1 remains as round as possible. Furthermore, it can be provided that an intermediate layer 5 of TPU is arranged between the panels 2 and the carrier body 3.

Similarly, panels 2 may also be provided on their outwardly facing surface with a coating 6 of TPU, wherein Here in particular a film of this material is eligible, which is applied to the Balloberfläche.

The manufactured panels 2 are according to Fig. 2 glued to the ball bladder 3 (which is understood here also the carcass), so that the panels 2 at the seams 7 abut each other. The ball bubble itself is produced in a known manner.

A carcass is made of polyester-upper cotton fabrics and sewn. In this then a bubble is used. After inflation, the surface may be provided with a layer of latex adhesive. The panels can then be placed in a mold with corresponding recesses for the panels, whereupon the prepared carcass is placed in the mold and the mold is closed, whereupon the bladder is inflated. After the process, the ball can be tested.

The ball thus produced is largely waterproof.

To build up the material of the panels 2 is on FIG. 3 Referenced. Here it can be seen that the panel material is composed of a number of plastic bodies 4, which are spherical, ellipsoidal or kidney-shaped; in Fig. 3 are ellipsoid plastic body 4 outlined. Each plastic body 4 expands in the three spatial directions by an extension a, b or c. The values for the dimensions a, b and c are preferably between 2 mm and 15 mm, with values between 3 mm and 9 mm having proven particularly useful.

For the permanent connection of the individual plastic body 4 are essentially two different preferred options available. The first possibility is based on the fact that the individual plastic bodies are connected to one another with a binder, ie adhesively bonded.

The blending proportion of the binder (including any color present) is at least 5% by weight; accordingly, then 95% by weight of foamed plastic bodies (pellets) would be present. A proportion of 30% by weight of binder is usually not exceeded, although the process also works with a higher proportion of binder. The binder should be as elastic as possible.

As a binder, for example, a polyurethane foam can be used, with which the plastic body 4 are foamed. The blend composition of plastic bodies 4 and PU foam can be chosen to give a desired density. That of the PU foam is between 250 kg / m ³ and 600 kg / m ³ ; In addition come the plastic body 4, which are selected according to their size.

The second possibility is based on a welding of the individual plastic body 4 at the contact point.

A preferred possibility is the supply of water vapor, but also a direct heat, which can melt the plastic body on its surface, is possible.

In a Staudruckfahrweise the plastic body 4 are first compressed before the input of steam with a back pressure of 3 to 5 bar, preferably 4 bar.

In a Crackfahrweise the plastic body 4 are given uncompressed in the mold cavity and then introduced steam.

Typical achievable densities of the material of the panels are values between 50 kg / m ³ and 180 kg / m ³ .

In the implementation of the method is usually worked with cycle times of the molding process in the mold between 150 and 400 s. The achievable molding density is between 180 kg / m ³ and 320 kg / m ³ depending on the concrete method used (higher values when using the dynamic pressure mentioned above).

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

ball

2

panels

3

Carrier body (ball bubble)

4

Plastic body

5

interlayer

6

Coating (foil)

7

join

8th

Pentagon

9

hexagon

a

Expansion in the axial direction

b

Expansion in the axial direction

c

Expansion in the axial direction

Claims (14)

1. Ball (1), which comprises a ball cover composed of a number of panels (2), wherein the panels (2) are applied directly or indirectly to a carrier body (3), wherein the panels (2) have at least one material layer which consists of plastic or comprises plastic,
   characterized in that
   the plastic material of the at least one layer of the panels (2) is expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU), wherein the expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU) consists of single plastic bodies (4) which are connected thermally or by means of a binder and wherein the single plastic bodies (4) have an extension (a, b, c) in the three spatial directions between 2 mm and 15 mm.
2. Ball according to claim 1, characterized in that the panels (2) consist of a single layer of expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU).
3. Ball according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the single plastic bodies (4) have an extension (a, b, c) in the three spatial directions between 3 mm and 9 mm.
4. Ball according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the panels (2) are glued on the carrier body (3).
5. Ball according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that an intermediate layer (5) is arranged between the panels (2) and the carrier body (3) which intermediate layer (5) consists of non-foamed thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).
6. Ball according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the panels (2) are provided with a coating (6) at its side which is directed outwards which coating (6) consists of non-foamed thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).
7. Method for the production of a ball (1), which comprises a ball cover composed of a number of panels (2), wherein the panels (2) are applied directly or indirectly to a carrier body (3), wherein the panels (2) have at least one material layer which consists of plastic or comprises plastic,
   characterized in that
   the panels (2) are produced by the steps:

   a) Producing of plastic bodies (4) which extent (a, b, c) in the three spatial directions is between 2 mm and 15 mm, wherein the plastic bodies (4) consist of expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU);

   b) Filling of the plastic bodies (4) into a molding tool which comprises a cavity which corresponds to the form of the panels (2) which have to be produced;

   c) Connecting of the plastic bodies (4) with another which are arranged in the molding tool side by side, wherein for connecting a binder is given into the molding tool and/or wherein for connecting heat is affected to the plastic bodies (4).
8. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that the plastic bodies (4) have a spherical or ellipsoid shape.
9. Method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the base material for the production of the plastic bodies (4) has a hardness between 75 to 90 Shore A.
10. Method according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the plastic bodies (4) have a bulk density between 100 and 300 kg/m³.
11. Method according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the connecting of the plastic bodies (4) according to step c) of claim 7 takes place by adding a binder to the plastic bodies (4) with a percentage by weight between 5 % and 30 % related to the final panel (2).
12. Method according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the binder has elastic properties.
13. Method according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the connecting of the plastic bodies (4) according to step c) of claim 7 takes place by guiding water steam under pressure into the molding tool.
14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that the pressure of the water steam is between 1.0 and 5.0 bar.

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